Touring car legend Yvan Muller has ruled out bidding for a fifth world title in 2018 despite announcing his return to full-time driving.

Muller will double as driver and team boss in the inaugural WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup with Thed Björk partnering him in a second Yvan Muller Racing Hyundai i30 N TCR.

“My goal is a bit different than in the past,” said 48-year-old Muller, the most successful driver in FIA World Touring Car Championship history with four titles to his name. “I have done my career and my focus now is on the team and our development rather than outright results.”

Of his new recruit Björk, the 2017 WTCC champion, Muller added: “I am pleased to have Thed involved, he trusts me and I trust him. There is no doubt that he is a great driver, I know because I spent the season with him last year.”

Yvan Muller Racing is awaiting delivery of two Hyundai i30 N TCR race cars before it begins a testing programme ahead of the WTCR season getting underway in Marrkaech, Morocco from 7-8 April.